A few days ago, I made the decision to transition from my 2017 MacBook Air to Apple’s Mac mini M2, and subsequently, I placed an order for it.
I had few questions in my mind like,
1.mac mini m2 for programming?
2.mac mini m2 heavy programming?
3. Is mac mini m2 16gb good for programming?
4. mac mini m2 for web development?
5. Is 256GB enough for Mac mini M2?
6. can we do AI ML with mac mini m2?
Now, after using it for over a week for my daily coding tasks, I can confidently say that the answers to those questions are affirmative.
My previous MacBook Air from 2017 boasted 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD, and I was quite content with its performance; it still functions well. You might wonder, why then did I feel the need to upgrade, and furthermore, why invest $800?
I will address each of the above questions individually.
The reasons for my upgrade
1. Storage Limitation: My MacBook Air 2017 came with a mere 128 GB SSD. After a few years of use, I began encountering storage issues, especially when attempting to update macOS or Xcode. I had loaded all my web development code, software, and mobile backups onto the SSD, which naturally led to a quick depletion of available space. Nowadays, our mobile devices have considerably more storage, so in hindsight, I should have opted for a 256GB option.
2. Age of the Device: Another factor was that it had been nearly six years since I acquired the MacBook Air. Over time, I started feeling that a larger screen size was more conducive for code development.
Regarding my current configuration
I made the choice to opt for the basic M2 processor while simultaneously upgrading the RAM to 16GB and sticking with a 256GB SSD. But why did I go with this configuration?
Given my six years of experience with macOS, I am well aware of its efficient RAM management. Nevertheless, the RAM upgrade comes at an additional cost of $200. Is it a worthwhile investment? As a web developer, I often find myself working on multiple applications simultaneously or rapidly switching between them. During my usage of the MacBook Air, I occasionally noticed memory swaps happening in the Activity Monitor, despite the Air not experiencing any significant slowdowns. However, the processor fan did start to become rather noisy.
Considering that I plan to use this machine for at least another five years, I decided to prioritise the RAM upgrade over the SSD. For storage, I can always use an external device and expand it as needed. In my estimation, a 256GB SSD should be sufficient for housing the OS and application installations and updates.
Returning to address the answer
1.mac mini m2 for programming?
2.mac mini m2 heavy programming?
3. Is mac mini m2 16gb good for programming?
4. mac mini m2 for web development?
5. Is 256GB enough for Mac mini M2?
6. can we do AI ML with mac mini m2?
As previously mentioned, I’m utilizing this machine as my daily development workstation. My work primarily revolves around Angular, NestJS, Python, and I run a XAMPP server. During a typical work session, I open Visual Studio Code alongside Safari with multiple tabs, as well as Chrome with its own set of tabs. I simultaneously run an Angular application, keep XAMPP up and running, and even have the Pages app open. Surprisingly, the memory usage doesn’t exceed 11GB.
The M2 chip significantly enhances the performance of web development tasks, ensuring that builds are completed swiftly. With over a decade of experience in web development, I am confident that it can effortlessly handle the demands of large web applications. I don’t find it necessary to conduct benchmark tests for my day-to-day work; for me, they serve as mere reference points. The crucial question is whether we will actually push the machine to its limits. While some users may answer in the affirmative, it largely depends on the nature of their tasks. However, for the majority of users, especially in the context of comprehensive end-to-end web application development, the answer is no.
Is it worth upgrading the RAM?
The answer to the RAM upgrade question hinges on your specific needs and usage patterns. If you tend to have multiple tasks open and frequently switch between them, 8GB of RAM might suffice. However, you should also consider whether these tasks demand more memory. Certain software, such as Photoshop, has higher RAM requirements (a minimum of 8GB and a recommended 16GB). In such scenarios, opting for the upgrade is the wiser choice. Additionally, if you plan to keep the machine for an extended period, then upgrading the RAM is certainly a favourable decision. Ultimately, it comes down to what you intend to do with the machine and how you’ll use it.
Is 256GB Enough
The SSD upgrade is priced at $200. Here’s my strategy: While I don’t engage in content creation, I’ve chosen to utilize an external SSD, the Samsung T7 Shield, for storing backups of my mobile data, photos, and code. I haven’t encountered any issues, whether it’s related to code development or data transfer speeds. I’ve relocated all my code to the external device and am performing builds from there. Interestingly, the build times remain consistent, even though the code is now located on the external SSD.
Is Mac Mini M2 good for 4k video editing
I ventured into some basic video editing in iMovie, handling UHD footage at 30 frames per second. To my satisfaction, the Mac mini proved to be more than capable of handling the task. I worked on a 20-minute video and was pleasantly surprised to find that it took approximately 5 minutes to export. I even applied some animations during the process.
When it comes to photo editing, I utilised the built-in Photos app, and it performed the editing tasks seamlessly.
Mac mini M2 or Macbook Air M2
The MacBook Air M2 is available with an 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine at a price point of approximately $1299. If you opt for the M2 chip with an 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and the same 16-core Neural Engine, the price increases to around $1399.
On the other hand, the Mac Mini offers a starting configuration with an 8-Core CPU, 10-Core GPU, 8GB of Unified Memory, and 256GB SSD storage at a cost of $499. However, it’s important to note that with the Mac Mini, you may need to separately purchase a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. What’s particularly significant for me is the processor and the amount of RAM you get for that price.
If you’re a user who requires portability and needs a machine that can go with you everywhere, the MacBook Air M2 could be your ideal companion. However, it’s worth considering that it lacks a fan, which a processor might require when handling heavy workloads, although this might not be a concern for most users. Additionally, it’s noteworthy that the MacBook Air is available for around $1299 and includes a 13-inch screen, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD.
Wireless connectivity issues
I’m currently using the Logitech K380 keyboard and the M350 mouse, and I haven’t encountered any connectivity issues so far. The performance is exceptionally smooth; whether it’s when I lock my computer or do a cold start, the devices connect quickly. I rely on Bluetooth for these connections, and it’s been a seamless experience. Even with a Bluetooth headset in use, the shortcut keys on the K380 keyboard work flawlessly. The only thing I regret is not opting for a Magic Mouse or trackpad, which I now realize I miss.
can we do AI ML with mac mini m2
is it possible to pursue AI and ML tasks with the Mac mini M2? With its integrated GPU, it should suffice for students who are in the process of learning AI/ML. However, for more advanced or specialised usage, it’s advisable to seek information on the internet. I don’t have expertise in this field, so I’ll refrain from making any comments.
Overall
I’ve discovered that the Mac mini M2 with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD is more than adequate for my web development tasks. I believe it can comfortably handle moderate-level video and photo editing based on my specific usage needs.